Fat transfer (or fat grafting) is often considered a 2-in-1 procedure thanks to the ability to address two areas of concern in a single session. It’s considered a natural augmentation alternative because it uses your own autologous fat to sculpt and contour. Compared to implants for augmentation, fat transfer is a minimally-invasive solution that offers very little pain, side effects, or downtime.
At Longwood Plastic Surgery, our team of skilled, board-certified surgeons craft customized procedures according to your individual goals. With over 40-years of combined experience, they’ve helped countless men and women achieve their desired results through cosmetic surgery.
What Happens During Fat Transfer Procedures?
Fat transfer is a three-step procedure that yields exceptional, natural-looking results. While each treatment is unique to the individual patient, there are several things you can expect during your procedure. In most cases, fat grafting is done in-office under local anesthetic and generally takes about one hour to complete.
Step One: Harvesting Fat from the Donor Site
Once a donor site has been determined (usually the hips, thighs, abdomen, buttocks, or flanks), your surgeon will numb the area and prepare it for your minor surgery. Small incisions are made and involve almost no cutting. A thin cannula is inserted and a gentle liposuction technique is then applied to remove the desired amount of fat. This process may have a positive effect on the donor site. We strongly suggest you discuss the results you can expect at the fat donor site with your doctor at the consultation stage.
Step Two: Fat Purification
The harvested fat is then purified and prepared for re-injection. This technique allows for maximum efficacy with a low mortality rate for fat cells. Generally, this step is quick and takes just 10-15 minutes. If necessary, your incisions may be closed with dissolvable sutures while you wait.
Step Three: Re-Injecting Harvested Fat
Your skilled surgeon used advanced injection methods and precision placement to re-inject harvested fat to desired locations. This ensures an optimal outcome with a natural look and feel. Fat can be relocated just about anywhere on the body. Common areas include breast augmentation, buttock augmentation, and facial fat transfer.
What Happens After My Fat Transfer?
Downtime is minimal after fat transfer procedures. Many patients feel comfortable returning to work and other day-to-day activities in just a few days. Full recovery can take 1-4 weeks with targeted results becoming evident in about 4-6 weeks. Results are long-lasting as our body is able to keep the existing fat cells alive and retain them naturally.
At the time of your initial consultation, your skilled surgeon will speak with you more in-depth about your upcoming procedure including the results you can expect.
Take the Next Step
Would you like to learn more about Fat Transfer procedures? To schedule an in-person consultation, please fill out the form on this page or call (617) 383-6250 and one of our knowledgeable medical staff members at Longwood Plastic Surgery will reach out to you promptly.
Longwood Plastic Surgery serves Brookline, MA and the greater Boston area.
*Individual results may vary.